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There was a time when the most exciting thing on the top deck of a cruise ship was a small pool. Or maybe a shuffleboard court. But those days are long gone. In recent years, cruise lines such as Carnival have been loading the top decks of their ships with ever more elaborate fun zones. Carnival Cruise Line

Many of the biggest cruise ships operated by Carnival and other big-ship lines now feature massive water parks. This is the WaterWorks water park on Carnival's 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze. Andy Newman, Carnival Cruise Lines

A deck-top view of Carnival Breeze shows the massive WaterWorks water park, which overlooks an outdoor pool area. Across from the water park is another outdoor fun zone with games and other attractions. Carnival Cruise Line

In addition to water slides, Carnival and other lines have been adding outdoor recreation complexes to the top of ships that include ropes courses, jogging tracks, miniature golf courses, ping pong, foosball and other games. Andy Newman Carnival Cruise Lines

The line that is best known for deck-top amusements on ships is Royal Caribbean. Its latest vessel, Symphony of the Seas, boasts what's billed as the tallest slide at sea, the nine-deck-high Ultimate Abyss. Roy Riley / sbw-photo

New features that have been added to the outdoor decks of cruise ships in recent years include themed eateries, such as the Johnny Rockets outlets found on several Royal Caribbean ships. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Innovation in deck-top attractions on cruise ships in recent years extends to offerings for the youngest cruisers. Here, a netted climbing attraction for young children located at the Boardwalk area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Some cruise lines are getting spacey with their deck-top offerings. A new virtual reality attraction called Sky Pad added to the top deck of Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas in 2018 lets passengers experience what it's like to bounce over moon craters. Tim Aylen

The outdoor decks of Symphony of the Seas also include the Sports Court, a fun zone that includes a miniature golf course, zip line, basketball court and two FlowRider surfing simulators. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Among the most unusual deck-top attractions to have debuted on cruise ships in recent years are the enclosed bumper car rinks located at the top of Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class vessels. Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is the first and only line to offer a skydiving simulator at sea. They are found on the top decks of the line's Quantum Class vessels including Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. Royal Caribbean

Carnival Cruise Line is behind one of the most unusual attractions to be added to a cruise ship in recent years: A peddle-powered "sky ride." It's found on the line's recently unveiled Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon. Carnival Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line's two newest ships, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, are home to what are billed as the first "water coasters" at sea. Dubbed AquaDuck, they're flume rides that twist and turn around the top decks of the vessels. Disney Cruise Line

The AquaDuck "water coasters" on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream are built with see-through acrylic tubes so that riders can see out over the ocean as they careen around the vessels. Disney Cruise Line

The top decks of Disney Cruise Line ships also are home to once-a-cruise fireworks displays. Disney was the first cruise line to offer regular fireworks shows above the top decks of its vessels. Matt Stroshane, Disney

One of the most unusual deck-top attractions unveiled on a cruise ship in recent years is NorthStar, a glass-enclosed observation deck on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas that rises high above the vessel on a mechanical arm. Royal Caribbean International

The NorthStar ride debuted in 2014 on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. It has since been included on two more new Royal Caribbean ships, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. Royal Caribbean

MSC Cruises in the past year has joined Royal Caribbean in offering zip lines on its ships. The recently unveiled MSC Seaside has two zip lines emanating from circular rings at the top of the vessel. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

You even can find a country club-like "lawn club" with live grass and lawn games on some new cruise ships. Five of the newest Celebrity Cruises ships feature what's known as The Lawn Club. Celebrity Cruises

The Lawn Club grass is mowed every one to three days and kept at a height of between 10 and 15 millimeters. Putting, croquet and various activities are encouraged but no high heels, deck furniture or towels are allowed. Peter Knego

For the Lawn Club, a dozen species of grass were tested for sun, wind and sea exposure as well as foot traffic endurance. A multilayer cushion of growing media, filters and an irrigation system separates the grass from the steel decking. Peter Knego

► Scenic Cruises. Customers who book a European river cruise between Monday and Nov. 26 will receive free round-trip economy or premium flights to the ship. Paying in full at the time of booking adds a €200 per suite onboard credit (not available on spring sailings). The offer can be combined with most other Scenic savings and referral offers.

► Cunard Line. Customers who book between Tuesday and Nov. 28 will get a two-cabin category upgrade, meaning they can sail in a balcony cabin for the price of a windowless "inside" cabin. Customers who book top-tier Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites on Cunard ships also will get a free drink package and free pre-paid gratuities.

► Celestyal Cruises. The Greece-based cruise line is out with a buy-one-get-one-free offer starting Tuesday through Nov. 29. Customers who book select 2019 and 2020 sailings will be able to bring a companion for free. In addition, the third or fourth person staying in a cabin will sail at 50 percent off the first passenger's fare — an offer aimed at families with kids. Solo traveler rates also have been reduced.

► Silversea Cruises. The luxury line's new Black Friday Sale, available now through Nov. 26, brings a one category cabin upgrade and a $1,000 per cabin onboard spending credit. Those booking select sailings also will receive $1,000 per cabin off the fare.

► Emerald Waterways. The Australia-based river line says customers who book a 2019 European river cruise between Wednesday and Nov. 27 will receive a €150 per cabin onboard spending credit, a free premium drinks package (a value of $220 per week) and free or reduced round-trip airfare. Those not wanting to arrange air through the line will receive $750 per person off their sailing of eight to 14 days, or $1,000 per person off sailings of 15 days or more.

► European Waterways. The barge cruise company is reducing rates for some full-barge charters by 30% if booked Friday through Nov. 27. The offer applies to select 6-night spring sailings in France, Scotland and Holland. The offer cannot be combined with other promotions; other restriction may apply.

► Windstar Cruises. The small-ship line is planning a one-day-only Cyber Monday promotion for Nov. 26 that gives customers who book a premium suite a $500 per room shipboard credit. The credit can be used for excursions, spa treatments and more.

As part of the Cruiser's Choice Destination Awards, Cruise Critic also anoints winners for top-rated destinations in more than a dozen regions. The winner for the U.S. and Canada region: Quebec City. fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec

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Luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2016 debuted what is widely regarded as the most spectacular suite ever built on a cruise ship: The Regent Suite on the new Seven Seas Explorer. Spanning the entire front of one of the ship's top decks, it measures 4,443 square feet -- more than 50% larger than the average home in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Regent Suite is priced at $10,000 per day, making it one of the most expensive accommodations on a cruise. The fare includes a wide range of perks including First or Business class airfare to and from the ship as well as private sedan transfers to and from airports. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The over-the-top luxury of the Regent Suite is on full display in the master bedroom, which features a king size bed topped with a Savoir No. 1 mattress that cost $90,000. The mattress is filled with a special kind of horse hair. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Overlooking the front of Seabourn Encore on Deck 7, the Signature Suites measure 1,159 square feet, not including balcony space, and offer a large living room, two bedrooms and two full baths. Seabourn Cruise Line

It isn't just the newest ships that offer spectacular suites. Cunard Line's classic Queen Mary 2, which debuted in 2004, continues to offer some of the most eye-popping accommodations at sea with its two-deck-high Duplexes. Cunard Line

Dubbed Balmoral and Sandringham, the Queen Mary 2's two Grand Duplex suites measure 2,249 square feet. Each has a spacious living room and dining area on the ground floor and a large master bedroom on the second floor. Greywolf Studios Limited

Each of Queen Mary 2's Grand Duplexes can be combined with four other adjacent suites to create a giant complex measuring more than 9,000 square feet -- several times larger than the typical U.S. home. Greywolf Studios Limited

Sleeping up to six, the Royal Loft Suite offers a panoramic view over the back of the ship from a two-deck-high living and dining room level. The space has a dry bar and sofa that converts into a double bed. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

One of the most-discussed new suites of recent years has been the Reflection Suite on Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection, the fifth and final ship in the line's Solstice Class series. The ship debuted in 2012. Celebrity Cruises

Bedrooms in the Owner's Suites on Marina and Riviera feature mahogany Bel Air beds upholstered in steel-blue mohair and walls covered in Austyn cashmere. All of the rooms in the suites were decorated using Ralph Lauren furnishings by designer Susan Bednar Long. Oceania Cruises

While generally catering to the mass market, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers some of the most spectacular -- and pricey -- suites at sea, including four large Deluxe Owner's Suites on its recently unveiled Norwegian Escape. Danny Lehman

Located near the top of the Disney Fantasy on Deck 12, the Roy O. Disney Suite looks out over the vessel's bow. It's one of two signature Royal Suites on the ship. Matt Stroshane, Matt Stroshane, photographer

The Roy O. Disney Suite has two bathrooms designed with granite and marble finishes. The master bathroom features a whirlpool bathtub, a rain shower, double sinks and a television built seamlessly into the mirror. Matt Stroshane, Matt Stroshane, photographer

An owner's suite in more than just name, the Viking Star's Owner's Suite was designed as a personal retreat for Viking founder and chairman Torstein Hagen and features many of his personal items, including books from his collection and family portraits on bookshelves. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY